Jamaicans remember Michael Jackson

Saturday, November 07, 2009 9:17 PM

News

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

JAMAICANS yesterday joined millions of fans around the world to remember pop icon Michael Jackson - many lamenting that his passing was too sudden.

A memorial ceremony for Jackson at the Staples Centre in downtown Los Angeles, California, yesterday was televised live around the globe. The 50-year-old Jackson died at UCLA Medical Centre, California, on Thursday, June 25.

Denise Smith (left) and Marva Carey watch Michael Jackson's memorial service on television sets at the poolside bar at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston yesterday. In the background are bartender Jerome Brown and customer Kimmone Griffith. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

"Right now I am in shock," said Denise Smith, who was among a group of persons watching the ceremony on television sets at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel poolside bar in New Kingston.

"I can't believe it. It is just very sad. He was a person who I grew up listening to and to see that he is gone is just too much, it was just too sudden," Smith told the Observer.

Marva Carey, who was also among the group, said she was still in shock.

"All I can say is that to see the world coming out to pay their respect, it was a very touching moment; I can't come to grips, however, with the sudden passing," she said.

For bartender Jerome Brown, Jackson was a 'hero'.

"I just can't believe that he is really gone," said Brown.

At the poolside bar at the neighbouring Hilton Kingston Hotel, Deon Stevenson felt Jackson had a great impact on people across the world.

"He was a person who I grew up listening to and to see and hear the reactions it is so touching," said Stevenson, pointing out that her favourite Michael Jackson song was Beat It.

For friends Titus Spencer and Ronnie Spencer, both returning residents from England, the occasion was a sad one.

"We have still not recovered from the news of the death, it was just too sudden," said Ronnie Spencer.

"When I first heard the news, up until this day we are here sitting and watching the television to watch his funeral it's just too much to process at this time," added Dwayne Lungrin.

Marcia Davis, who was watching the proceedings on television sets inside Cuddy'z Sports Bar in New Kingston, said she was overcome with sadness.

"It literally tore me to pieces to see all that he has been through and to see the support he got after it all," said Davis.

She pointed out that she was happy, however, that "the world was now on the same musical page".

Another patron, Damion Chin, was in a reflective mood.

"I just can't believe he is gone," he told the Observer.

- Kimmo Matthews

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